Alberta NDP budget invests in education, jobs

Strong education investments at all levels were among the highlights of the Alberta NDP’s first budget.

The spending announced in the budget will go towards hiring support staff and teachers that will translate into higher quality public education. Government investment in K-12 education will grow with student enrolment to $8.1 billion by 2017.

“The Rachel Notley government gets it: good public education is a long-term investment for Alberta,” said Don Boucher, Alberta Area Director at Unifor.

The Alberta budget also introduces a school nutritional program and a $45 million annual investment to reduce school fees for families.

Instead of deep cuts promised by the previous government, Premier Rachel Notley has chosen instead to maintain strong front-line services during the economic downturn. Notley’s first budget also takes steps to support jobs with a new “Job Creation Incentive Program” that could lead to 27,000 new jobs each year through 2017.

“The government is taking the long view of economic prosperity,” said Joie Warnock, Unifor’s Western Director. “Premier Notley is wisely using the government’s power to protect the vulnerable and spur job growth.”

Tuesday’s budget also included funding for a tuition fee freeze at Alberta’s colleges and universities.